He said: “The recent Government White Paper on Energy has set out a trajectory to a low carbon economy by 2050. However, this transition will take time and fossil fuels will remain part of our energy mix for some years to come as we first eliminate the most polluting fossil fuels such as coal.

“In this context, the development of indigenous gas resources will deliver significant and sustained benefits, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply, import substitution, national and local economic development and fiscal return”

Earlier this year the UK Government announced all coal-fired power plants will be closed by 2025.